17 Christmas Soup Recipe Ideas For Warming Up Before the Holiday Rush

One look at these 17 Christmas soup recipe ideas and you’ll have your holiday dinner starters figured out. Holidays get pretty hectic, but a hot bowl of soup always feels like a comforting pause. Most folks enjoy a simple way to warm up before the rush. Sharing a pot with loved ones just makes this time of year sweeter.

Ham and Split Pea Soup

After a long afternoon spent in the winter chill, nothing feels better than coming in to a hot bowl of this Ham and Split Pea Soup. Its smoky aroma always seems to draw everyone to the kitchen before dinner. I like how hearty yet simple it is, making it a true comfort classic. People often go back for seconds, so you may want to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Italian Penicillin Soup

Few things can lift spirits on December evenings quite like this Italian Penicillin Soup. The rich broth and bright herbs feel like a warm hug, perfect for shaking off the cold. I reach for this whenever anyone needs a little pick-me-up. There’s a cozy nostalgia to every spoonful, especially as the holidays approach.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penicillin Soup

Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Golden, creamy, and impossibly smooth, this Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup truly tastes like Christmas in a bowl. Sweet, mellow flavors fill the kitchen with a festive aroma. I serve it as a starter for special meals and it always steals the show. You may be surprised just how quickly this disappears from people’s bowls.
Get the Recipe: Velvety Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

When a snowstorm starts rolling in, making a batch of this Creamy Leek and Potato Soup feels just right. Silky texture and mellow taste combine for something genuinely soothing. Even folks who claim they don’t like leeks tend to finish every spoonful. It’s a classic soup that never feels out of place at a holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

Hearty Potato Soup

Holiday chaos can make you crave something grounding and warm, so a serving of this Hearty Potato Soup is a lifesaver. With its thick, creamy comfort, it has a way of slowing everything down, even for just a moment. Guests linger over their bowls, chatting and grinning. That’s when it truly feels like Christmas is close.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Potato Soup

Comforting Turkey Soup

Turning leftovers into something delicious is an art, and this Comforting Turkey Soup always impresses. Steaming bowls bring everyone back to the kitchen at odd hours, looking for another taste. I make it on chilly afternoons when the fridge is still bursting with holiday goodness. Each spoonful brings back memories of the main feast, just in cozy soup form.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

On days when snowflakes fall steadily, you crave the robust flavors of this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. It’s wholesome, savory, and totally energizing after coming in from the cold. I appreciate how it fills the air with mouthwatering scents as it simmers. Each bowl feels like a mini holiday celebration all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Rich, creamy warmth makes this Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup the perfect way to escape the December chill. Smooth, cheesy goodness always manages to win over a crowd, even those who normally skip the veggies. I’ve found that it brings a little brightness to gray winter days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Waking up to the aroma of this Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup signals a truly special day ahead. Tiny bites, savory broth, and leafy greens create a beautiful harmony. It’s one of those soups that feels festive, even though the prep is hands-off. So many folks ask for the recipe, it rarely stays a family secret for long.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup

As lights twinkle around the neighborhood, this Roasted Tomato Soup brings even more brightness to the dinner table. Its deep, vibrant flavor makes each spoonful taste like sunshine in the middle of winter. Whenever I serve it, someone always asks what makes it so rich. Everyone leaves the table feeling extra cheerful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Some recipes just seem made for holiday gatherings, and this Hearty Ham and Bean Soup tops that list. Its smoky aroma fills the house, promising something delicious to come. Whether for lunch or a light supper, it’s always met with happy sighs. The best part is how full and satisfied everyone feels after just one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Earthy flavor and velvety texture create pure comfort in this Creamy Mushroom Soup. As the holidays draw near, its warmth and depth are just what you crave on dark winter evenings. I bring out this recipe when I want to impress with minimal fuss. People never guess how easy it is to pull off such outstanding flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ham and Potato Soup

The combination of smoky ham and rich potatoes in this Ham and Potato Soup never gets old during Christmas week. Every bite delivers pure comfort without being too heavy. I sometimes serve smaller cups as an appetizer before a festive meal. The expression on people’s faces after the first taste says everything.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Soup

Hearty Lentil Soup

Deep flavor, simple ingredients, and thick texture make this Hearty Lentil Soup a cold-weather winner. There’s something so welcoming about a steaming bowl when snow is falling outside. I turn to this recipe when I want a nourishing dinner that feels festive but still wholesome. Each spoonful tastes nourishing and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lentil Soup

Gnocchi Soup

Tiny dumplings floating in broth transform this Gnocchi Soup into something magical for the season. Its pillowy softness invites conversation and cozy moments by the fireplace. I love bringing this out when I want to make something different but still call it comfort food. People usually smile after the first taste.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Soup

Chunky Vegetable Soup

Holiday hustle means you need quick meals packed with nutrition, so this Chunky Vegetable Soup comes to the rescue. Colorful veggies and fragrant herbs make it as beautiful as it is hearty. I make this when I want everyone to enjoy something lighter but filling. Even soup skeptics usually come back for one more ladle.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Vegetable Soup

Clam Chowder

Cozying up by the fire with this Clam Chowder feels like a real treat in December. Creamy texture and briny flavor send a wave of warmth through the room. Whenever I make this for a group, silence falls as everyone focuses on their bowl. A sprinkle of crackers, and suddenly it feels a little more festive.
Get the Recipe: Clam Chowder